EPA Secures Otumfuo’s Permission for Styrofoam Ban Sensitisation
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has secured the permission of the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to launch an intensive public education campaign in Kumasi ahead of the nationwide ban on expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam).
The ban is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
Leading a management delegation on a courtesy call to the Manhyia Palace on August 14, the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, formally sought the Asantehene’s blessings and guidance to roll out a community sensitisation drive across Kumasi on August 26 and 27, 2026.
Beyond the Styrofoam initiative, the EPA CEO also briefed Otumfuo on ongoing framework formulation aimed at educating and guiding community groups and technical partners interested in restoring water bodies severely polluted by illegal mining (galamsey).
“We are putting together structured guidance documents to educate stakeholders who want to participate in water cleanup efforts,” Prof. Klutse noted. “Our goal is to arrest further destruction of our water resources, and we humbly rely on Otumfuo’s direction and counsel to effectively engage the public.”
Granting his support for the public awareness campaign, Otumfuo expressed his unflinching support for the EPA.
“We will support you however possible.”
Meanwhile, Otumfuo emphasised uncompromised regulatory enforcement.
The Asantehene cautioned the EPA against granting environmental permits and certificates without conducting thorough physical site checks.
“Exercise vigilance when issuing permits. Sometimes these certificates are issued without officials even visiting the site,” Otumfuo cautioned. “Permits must not be granted arbitrarily. Today, we see pipelines connected directly into rivers and streams, polluting our water bodies.”
The EPA delegation to the Manhyia Palace included the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; the Acting Deputy CEO in charge of Technical Services, Mrs Esi Nerquaye-Tetteh; the Acting Deputy CEO in charge of Operations, Prof. Michael Ayamga; and other senior officials of the Authority.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
